Overview
- In April 2026 the Triple Lock raised the full new State Pension to £241.30 a week and lifted the Pension Credit standard minimum guarantee to £238 a week for single claimants.
- The DWP is running its largest ever, data‑driven Pension Credit take‑up campaign to contact likely claimants and close a large gap in unpaid entitlements.
- HM Treasury has pledged that people whose only income is the full State Pension will not pay income tax during this Parliament but detailed legislation and administrative rules must be set out before April 2027.
- HMRC rules introduced from winter 2025/26 let the tax authority recover Winter Fuel Payments from individuals with taxable income above £35,000 and an opt‑out route is available for future payments.
- Immediate operational effects are affecting households now: the DWP four‑week pay cycle can cause two pension payments in a calendar month and the phased rise in State Pension age to 67 creates transitional delays that can cost some people several months of payments; Pension Credit add‑ons such as a £48.15 weekly carer uplift also remain available when claimed.